NHL 98

• Release Date: 1997
• Genre: Sports
• Style: Hockey
• Similar Games: NHL All-Star Hockey 98 (Sega Saturn), NHL 97 (PlayStation), NHL 97 (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), NHL 97 (Sega Genesis), NHL 97 (Sega Saturn), NHL 97 (IBM PC Compatible)

Review: Overall

NHL 98 is an ice hockey simulation full of realistic atmosphere and enough North American and international teams to provide limitless combinations of play. From the over-the-top introduction sequence onwards, the game lets you take part in all the aspects of play that make professiosnal hockey the unique game that it is.

You can skate into the umpires and put them flat on their backs, whack your opponent so hard into that he crashes through the plexiglass screens around the rink, and then settle down to play a serious game of ice hockey with all of the excitement and uncertainty of the real thing.

It is in the nature of ice hockey to be fast and frenetic and NHL '98 delivers the required speed and action. It also looks brilliant, with huge players (even bigger when using the 'close camera' option) and superb animation.

All of the action is supported with excellent commentary, which flows with the gameplay and is genuinely informative, especially to those unfamiliar with the sport. The speech soundtrack offers such a good description of the action, you can catch up with how the game is going even if you lose track or leave the room without pausing the game. The commentator even makes fun of the players, who at times get so angry they may thump the side of the penatly box in uncontrollable anger.

With it's wide range of gameplay options, effective flowing commentary, and high quality graphics, this is the sports game with everything.

Review: Enjoyment

Blood and guts aplenty!!

Review: Graphics

Players look wonderful, and move great. Look great when they score and put the stick between their legs and ride it like a pokey-horse!

Review: Sound

Music, seamless commentary, sound, crowd cheering. I like it.

Review: Replay Value

Although you're playing by the same rules, the game is never the same twice.

Review: Documentation

Fun explanitory booklet